Granddaughter Julieanne Stewart said the family had been inundated with thousands of messages with people paying tribute to all the good work he did for the community.

"He had tremendous energy and a unique and natural ability to cheer anyone up," she said.

"He never failed to put a smile on anyone in the community's face and it's a sad weekend in Crumlin as we mourn our hero."

John had previously been nominated for a community star award for the work he had done within the community.

For more than 26 years he was involved with Crumlin United Football Club, from organising pensioner lunches to helping with academy fundays.

He will be remembered for dressing up in his red suit and appearing as Santa for the football club, and eventually as time went on John would dress up and attend schools, old peoples homes and even the fire station.

To spread the Christmas cheer he wouldn't take any money for these appearances and would advise people to give to charity. He always wanted to see smiles on others faces.